Malacañang emphasized that the government’s pursuit of fugitive Harry Roque is not a waste of time and public funds.
Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro made the statement in response to former Presidential Spokesperson Roque’s claim that the government’s efforts to locate him are a misuse of resources.
Roque is currently in hiding after being charged with human trafficking by the Department of Justice, prompting the government to assemble a tracker team for his apprehension.
Castro argued that if Roque is truly concerned about the nation’s resources, he should return to the country so the government no longer has to expend time and money on tracking him.
She also noted that Roque appears to be the only one insisting that he is a victim of political persecution.
Castro pointed out that even former Presidential Legal Counsel Atty. Salvador Panelo denied that political persecution exists in Roque’s case.
The Palace further believes that Roque is using his association with the Dutertes as a shield to support his political persecution narrative.